Demonstrators gathered outside the “Doing Business with Israel” conference in Nicosia on Wednesday morning, protesting against Cyprus’s economic ties with Israel amidst the ongoing war in Gaza.
The protest was organised by activist groups including United for Palestine Cyprus, AFOA, ANATROPI, NEDA, Far Right Watch, Genocide Free Cyprus, Diem25 and the Initiative against the Fascist Threat.
Participants held banners and chanted slogans in Greek and English. They expressed support for Palestinians and condemned Israel’s war in Gaza, urging the government to end its cooperation with Israel.
In a statement, organisers accused the current Cypriot government of complicity in the genocide of the Palestinians. They called for an end to all commercial, business, and military collaborations with Israel, as well as a boycott and sanctions.
Marcos Oikonomou, speaking for United for Palestine Cyprus, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that “the Cypriot Government or anyone from Cyprus should not be involved in any form of cooperation with the genocidal Israel”.
Oikonomou criticised Cyprus’s increased cooperation with Israel, particularly in economic and military spheres. He argued that this has made Cyprus complicit in the current situation in Gaza.
The protesters demanded that Cyprus cease military alliances and economic cooperation with Israel, particularly in hydrocarbon exploitation. Oikonomou also criticised the Great Sea Interconnector project, describing it as “an attempt by Israel to secure dominance in the region”.
The conference, organised by Invest Cyprus, continues despite the protests.
